How did you first find out about bariatric surgery and what were your initial impressions of it?

I did a lot of research before deciding on a doctor. It was a several year process. I knew I wanted laproscopic instead of open from the start.

Describe your experience with getting insurance approval for surgery. What advice, if any, do you have for other people in this stage?

Not difficult but extremely time consuming. Tricare required I see Walter Reed because they do the procedure. The waiting list is 2 to 3 years! I was so happy when they said I could use a civilian doctor bcause they couldn't treat me in a timely manner.

What was your first visit with your surgeon like? How can people get the most out of this meeting?

My first meeting with Dr. Gansas was great. The best thing is to have done your research well in advance and know which questions you want to ask. Take a list. Dr. Gandsas and his staff are very understanding and will take the time to make sure you understand everything. The only stupid question is the one you don't ask.

What made you finally decide to have the surgery?

I knew I would have the surgery. It was only a matter of time and whether the insurance would pay or if we were going to need to take out a loan to get it done.

How did you decide which proceedure to have?

I knew all along I wanted laproscopic.

What fears did you have about having complications or even dying from from the surgery, and what would you tell other people having the same fears now?

Although I had done my research and knew Dr. Gandsas had an excellent record, I did write letters to my husband and son with strict instructions not to read them until I was taken in for surgery. I tell my family every day that I love them but there were special things I wanted to say"just in case". I would tell others that fear is healthy. Anyone not terrified at the thought of having this surgery shouldn't be having it.

How did your family and friends react to your decision? Would you have communicated anything differently if you could now? How supportive were they after your surgery?

My family was behind me 200%. My husband was a little scared about possibly losing me but he and my son attended the support group meetings with me and I think it helped. They have been great since surgery. My husband has even started learning to cook!

How did your employer/supervisor react to your decision? What did you tell him/her? How long were you out of work?

My co-workers were wonderful. I printed out a lot of information on the surgery for my boss and co-workers and we all sat down in a conference room and went through everything. I work for a very large company and even my VP got involved. I was very lucky.

What was your stay in the hospital like? How long where you there? What things are most important to bring?

The hospital stay was fine. I had surgery on a Monday morning and was released on Wednesday morning. Bring a stuffed animal to hug. It helps with the pain.

Did you have any complications from the surgery? If so, how did you deal with them?

I had some breathing issues due to my COPD. The initial morphine depressed my breathing. I was fine the next day and they didn't give me any more.

In the weeks after you got your surgery date, how did you feel? How did you cope with any anxiety you might have felt?

I feel great! I've had no anxiety issues.

Describe your first few weeks home from the hospital. What should people expect from this period?

The first couple of days were rough. It helps to sleep with an extra pillow supporting your stomach. I was fine by Saturday and went shopping at Walmart on Sunday.

How far did you travel to have your surgery? (If far, how did this affect your aftercare?)

Dr. Gandsas and Sinai are about an hour from my house.

Please describe in detail what things you could and couldn't eat in the weeks and months following surgery. What foods have been off limits? Please explain how your dietary tolerance changed week-by-week, and then month-by-month since surgery.

I had a problem with artichoke hearts. My nutritionist Nancy said to wait a month and try again.

What was your actvity level in the days and weeks after surgery?

I'm back to running around the office at the 2 week mark.

What vitamins and/or dietary supplements have you taken since your surgery?

Too long to list.

What side effects (nausea, vomiting, sleep disturbace, dumping, hair loss etc.) were worse for you? For how long after surgery did they persist? How did you cope with them?

After surgery vomiting was the worst. It feels like your insides are coming out. That subsides though.

What was the worst part about the entire bariatric surgery process?

The worst part was the bowel prep!

What aftercare support group/program do you have? How helpful/important is this?

Dr. Gandsas has a monthly support group meeting for pre-ops and one for post-ops. It's a huge help.

What is your scar like? Is this what you expected?

What scars?!

Please describe any plateau experiences you have had since surgery.

None so far.

Do you notice people treating you any differently now?

Everyone isn't asking me to order lunch at work. Not a bad side effect.